Dear Friend,

                   As you grow in your walk with the Lord, know that you are not alone.  I used to go about my walk with Jesus as if it was just me and him. I thought I didn’t need anyone else. But the truth is that he has made man for community. Don’t be afraid to let people in and be vulnerable. Don’t shut out the love and lessons that God wants to teach you through relationships. Let God use people in your life. 

                  There are going to be “dark” periods in your life. Times when nothing seems right and times when you don’t feel like God is there. These times don’t always mean that you’re doing something wrong. It just means that you are human. Sometimes God distances himself so that we chase harder after him. Like a parent hiding behind the next aisle from their child, they are still there. They are simply trying to see if the child is paying attention; teaching them how important is it to stay close. Many people act like it’s not ok to be sad or even depressed as a Christian; as if you cannot be human and love Jesus at the same time. But this is simply not true. We are still alive. We are still on this earth. We feel. We hurt. Don’t hide behind a mask because you are afraid of what the church may say. Be real. Be honest. Let healing come. It’s not easy, but it’s real.

                  Often in prayer for me it has been hard to stay focused. I find my mind wandering. One thing that has helped me is to journal. Write down what you’re saying to God. Or go outside and talk to God out loud. Go somewhere where you can be alone and just converse with God. When you don’t know what to say, praise him for who he is. We can never run out of awesome things to say about God. Don’t be afraid to tell God when you are struggling to focus on him. He already knows. He is not mad at you. He loves you. He loves to hear you ask him for help. Be real with God, he’s big enough to handle it.

                  Don’t forget that this is a struggle. The Christian life is not easy. There are going to be people who don’t understand you and an Enemy who doesn’t want you to bring glory to God with your life. But never give up hope. Keep pressing onward. Draw close to your Father. Stay in community.